Those struggling to heat their homes in Wales are to receive extra financial support as the conflict in the Middle East continues to push up global fuel prices.
Thousands of Welsh households are able to get help with oil and LPG heating costs.
Those in severe financial hardship can receive assistance from the Discretionary Assistance Fund (DAF). The maximum award for heating oil has been increased to £750, and people can now apply up to twice in a 12-month period, recognising that some households who received support earlier in the winter may struggle again as prices remain high. Applications can be made through Barcud.
- Tenants need to contact Barcud when they need oil
- Barcud will complete the DAF application
- If successful, DAF will forward a payment directly to the tenants who then arrange a delivery with their chosen oil provider
- Tenants need to make sure they get a receipt in case DAF contact them for proof of delivery at a later date
- This is on a ‘as and when’ basis that they need a refill of oil
Tips to make your home warmer and more energy efficient:
- If there is trapped air in your radiators, they will not heat your room efficiently. If your radiators have a cold spot or are cold at the top and warm at the bottom, they may need bleeding. Please ring Barcud on 0300 111 3030 to request a visit.
- Close your curtains or blinds – this helps keep the heat in.
- If your radiators allow, you could use a radiator reflector. You put these behind your radiator (if applicable) and they can reflect some heat back into the room. These work best with radiators attached to the inside of external walls.
- Don’t cover radiators and move furniture away from them, this allows the warm air to circulate.
- For thermostats set above 19 degrees – Lowering the thermostat by just 1˚c can make a marked difference in the annual cost and should not significantly affect your thermal comfort.